ONLY missing a handful of matches over a 20 year period would be deemed by many as the kind of behaviour worthy of consideration in the search for the Fan of the Year.

But for Gary Jackson his passion for the Reds pales into insignificance alongside 37-year-old Dave Daley.

"When you follow a team over a period of years, you get to know and recognise the true and loyal supporters," revealed Jackson.

"Liverpool FC has some fantastic, loyal supporters who would follow them to the ends of the earth, and I am one of them. But Dave is the most loyal and dedicated fan I have ever met. If you asked the hardcore of 300 fans who go to every away game I am sure the unanimous vote as the Fan of the Year would be Dave."

It is Dave's humility to his fellow fans, as well as to the club he loves, which makes him so popular.

"I was shocked even to be nominated," he admitted.

"I don't feel like I should get an award because I am just following the team I love, but the fact so many people wrote in to nominate me has touched me."

Every club has fans who follow the club through thick and thin, home and away. Every club has fans who spend thousands of pounds every season to finance their love affair.

But to stand out amongst those hardcore fans is testament to Daley's passion for the Reds.

A steward on the Barnes Travel coaches for away matches, the 37-yearold's efforts for his fellow supporters has not gone unnoticed.

At a time when the media are focusing on the increased prevalence of trouble at Premiership matches, Daley stands for all that is good about football.

Jackson added: "He is treated like a celebrity by the fans. He would follow Liverpool anywhere, but he also makes sure he keeps spirits high when we have lost.

"Earlier this season on the way back from the Chelsea game where we lost 4-0 everybody was down. It was Dave who got up and started cracking a few gags to lift everybody's spirits. He is a natural comedian and he never lets things get him down."

Geoff McKenna asked him to be the best man at his wedding after forging a friendship on the terraces of the old Kop.

"Dave has always upheld the good name of the club, domestically and abroad, never being involved in any incidents that could damage our tremendous reputation," revealed McKenna.

"On many occasions he has made sure that our reputation remains intact by ensuring those under his control are always on their best behaviour.

"He is a terrific ambassador for our club, well liked and respected."

That view is backed up by the host of letters the ECHO received nominating Dave for the award.

"As a group of girls travelling on the coach to all the games we feel safe knowing Dave is there to look out for us. He goes out of his way to help people.

"He is a true Red and is well respected by all the fans that know him," explained Miss Price, a regular on Liverpool awaydays.

"Dave is very considerate and helpful," added Michelle McGrath.

"And with Liverpool's current 'unfair' away ticket allocation system he goes out of his way to help other people find appropriate qualifying vouchers and will queue up at the ticket office from 7am to make sure his friends get tickets for away games."

But whilst the letters came flooding in in support of Dave, the man himself was humble about the accolade which has come his way.

"Going on the coaches to away games works two ways," he explains.

"I have made so many friends through football, I have met some cracking people down the years. My best friends are down to Liverpool FC. I enjoy helping out on the coaches, it is not a chore.

"People have said in the past I will get bored of going to the matches eventually, but I cannot understand that. I have missed weddings, christenings and holidays in favour of the football but it is not a sacrifice."

Having not missed a home game since 1975, or a match anywhere since 1989, Dave is well placed to judge the highlight of the last 30 years.

He adds: "There are so many highlights. The St Etienne game, bunking off school in order to queue for the game; the five trophies in six months last season; the European successes. I don't think there is any one highlight I can pick out.

"But 9p a pint in Liberec stands out quite prominently."

No matter what the cost, there is little chance of Dave having to buy his own drinks on the next Liverpool awayday.